TAC delays Saint Patrick's Academy library addition amid zoning and traffic concerns

The Site Review Advisory Committee on March 3 postponed review of a proposed 2,115 sq. ft. library addition at Saint Patrick's Academy (315 Banfield Road) after protracted discussion over whether the work expands a previously permitted nonconforming school use and because of significant traffic queuing concerns.

Corey Belden of Altus Engineering said the addition would not increase student enrollment or staffing but would expand library space. He argued the school’s zoning variance from 2016 granted the property the accessory uses associated with an approved school; "we believe that this is an allowed use on the property and that this is not an expansion of a nonconforming use," Belden said.

Several TAC members disagreed with that legal interpretation, saying an increase in building footprint can be read as an expansion of the use and therefore may require a zoning variance or a Board of Adjustment review. "Our position is they need a variance to go forward to the Planning Board," a committee member said. The committee also received detailed public‑safety input from staff and officers about recurring vehicle queuing on Banfield Road during drop‑off and pick‑up; they described near‑misses and at least one recent head‑on crash attributed to drivers navigating around queued cars.

Given the unresolved legal interpretation and the need for traffic mitigation proposals, the TAC voted to postpone the project and asked the applicant to provide a clearer legal record of the 2016 decision and a traffic management plan that reduces on‑road queuing before returning to TAC.